Tips To Cope With Fatigue During Pregnancy

Fatigue and tiredness are the most common early symptoms of pregnancy, accompanied by an array of pains, sore muscles and aches.

How you handle these problems often decide your level of pregnancy fatigue.

Generally, pregnancy fatigue is caused by adjusting your body to natural hormonal changes along with the weight of your baby.

You are also likely to experience trouble while sleeping due to the aches and pains or just due to excess stress.

When does it occur?

Fatigue, which is just your body’s way of telling you that it needs more rest, most often begins during the first trimester of pregnancy, during which time your body adjusts to the idea of being pregnant.

Some women also experience fatigue during the second trimester, and energy levels will drop during the third trimester when your body is preparing for labor and delivery.

During the third trimester, you need to carry the increased weight of your baby. This can lead to more discomfort, insomnia and cramping, which makes it hard to rest.

How to cope with fatigue during pregnancy?

Here are some of the more useful methods to overcome pregnancy fatigue:

1. Eat healthy diet and in right quantities:

During pregnancy, you need to increase your calorie intake by 300-500 calories per day. Eat several smaller meals during the day. This helps you keep your energy stores up and prevents you from feeling lethargic because of insufficient nutrition.

Carry some small easy-to-eat fruits and vegetables to snack on during the day. Avoid consuming sugar and caffeine as they can easily be digested and leave you feeling empty.

2. Exercising every day:

Though you will not feel like exercising, you should go for a walk and get some fresh air during the day. Endorphin production increases when you exercise and blood circulation will improve, giving you more energy. Doing 20-30 minutes of workout 3-4 times a week boosts your metabolism enough to handle your growing baby easily.

3. Go to bed early:

During the pregnancy period, getting enough rest is very important. Take frequent naps during the day; a 15-minute cat nap can help renew your energy levels. During the last trimester of your pregnancy, it is essential to get as much rest as you can. Rest for longer and pat yourself on the back for taking care of yourself and your baby.

4. Listen to your body:

The first trimester is the period during which most new changes take place, as your body is very busy in creating the placenta and accumulating essential hormones to help with the fetal growth.

5. Get a pregnancy pillow:

A pregnancy pillow helps alleviate backache and leg cramps you experience in the evening and also promotes a good night’s sleep.

6. Get help from others in your house:

Accept help from others during this time. The less effort you have to deal with, the more rested you will feel. There is nothing wrong in taking a break at this time.